Dare to be Square to return to Helvetia
ELKINS — The Dare to be Square workshop weekend is set to return to Helvetia next month, with more than 20 workshops for musicians, callers and dancers planned along with public square dances.
“The goal of Dare to be Square Helvetia is to bring together people from all over the region to learn square dance calling, flatfooting, fiddle tunes, ballads and other traditions specific to this region and to honor those that have held onto those traditions,” said Becky Hill, organizer.
The events set for May 19-21 are open to all ages, and those 18 years old and younger get in free. This is the fourth year this event has taken place in West Virginia, and Hill said she hopes to make it an annual celebration.
“Helvetia is the perfect place to hold a dance weekend; where else are there two beautiful dance halls, a rich old-time music tradition and a supportive community that helps make it happen?” Hill said.
Some of the workshops offered throughout the weekend will be flatfooting, square dance calling, Helvetia fiddle tunes, West Virginia ballad singing, big circle square dances, Helvetia baking, Western square dance figures and much more.
“I hope that by the end of the weekend, attendants will have learned something new, whether it was a flatfooting step, how to call a square dance, a fiddle tune or how to bake a delicious Swiss desert. To keep these traditions vibrant, it’s all about sharing it with one another and passing it on,” Hill said.
Both square dances on May 19 and 20 are open to public, and there is an admission charge. The dances will kick off at 8 p.m. in the Helvetia Community Hall. All dances are family-friendly and participants don’t need to come with a dance partner. The Helvetia Star Band will open the evening dance on May 19 with Dave Bing and the High Ridge Ramblers rounding out the evening. Jesse Milnes and friends will be providing music for May 20.
Rustic camping is available for those planning to stay for the weekend, with a suggested donation.
To register for the weekend, anyone interested can visit www.mountaindancetrail.org and check out the event on Facebook.